Dayzha Kaleikini

My name is Dayzha Kaleikini, I am one of the Field Organizers on the Political, Policy, Advocacy, Civic Engagement  (PPACE) Team at APANO. I use She/Her pronouns. I am a Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Irish who was born and raised in Hawaii on the westside of Oahu.

With my previous experience as a compassionate professional in the funeral industry, I've found myself at the crossroads of life and death, guiding families through some of their most profound moments of loss. My journey in this solemn realm has taught me invaluable lessons about the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

Every day, I walk the delicate tightrope between grief and solace, offering a steady hand and a compassionate heart to those in mourning. In the quiet stillness of funeral homes, I've witnessed the raw emotions that accompany loss and the profound impact that a genuine connection can have on healing. Yet, amidst the somber melodies of sorrow, I've also discovered an unexpected harmony – the interconnectedness between mental health and the grieving process. In a world where the stigma surrounding mental illness often shrouds it in silence, the funeral industry serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing our emotional well-being.

Drawing parallels between the delicate intricacies of grief and the complexities of mental health, I strive to foster a greater understanding and acceptance of both. Whether comforting a bereaved family or advocating for mental health awareness, my mission remains the same – to provide support, empathy, and a beacon of hope in life's darkest moments. Beyond the confines of funeral homes, I am a dedicated to advocate for mental health not just to break down barriers and foster a more compassionate society and also to heal that part of me from my father committing Suicide. I hope to shine a light on the profound connections that unite us all – in life, in death, and in the fragile spaces in between.

10 facts about me!

1. Moved to Portland, Oregon in December of 2022
2. Im a Scorpio
3. Im a Gamer
4. My Favorite Netflix Shows to Binge is Bridgerton
5. Another Favorite Show to Watch is Rupauls Drag Race
6. Im a Quite Observer and an Introvert
7. Im an Audiobooks listener
8. I Drive a 2014 Dodge Challenger Shaker  ( Not Really a Car person but I’m told by many car enthusiast that its a special Model
9. With Sustainable living in mind An hobby I enjoy is Aquaponic, I like the symbiotic relationship between Water, Fish, Fish Waste, and Plants.
10. I like Hello Kitty